Oral Answers to Questions

Priti Patel Excerpts

Tuesday 13th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

That is not the view of council leaders in the hon. Gentleman’s area, who have been extremely enthusiastic about the city deals that have been struck. The chair of the Sheffield city region, in which the hon. Gentleman’s constituency is involved, says that the powers that have been devolved through the city deal will

“drive forward real economic growth and create jobs”

for the whole region, including for the hon. Gentleman’s constituency.

[Priti Patel (Witham) (Con)]

4. What steps he plans to take to reform the system of party political funding and donations to political parties by trade unions.

[The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg)]

The Government have always been clear that any reform of party political funding is best achieved by consensus. Despite seven meetings, it is disappointing that, as on previous occasions, there has been no agreement between the three parties on beginning party funding reform.

[Priti Patel]

Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that new laws to restrict the money and influence of trade unions in British political life are required? Will he join the Prime Minister in supporting reforms to strike laws to protect the public from unnecessary industrial action?

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I certainly agree that all parties need to get big money and vested interests out of party funding. That can best and only be done through consensus. It did not happen this time; I very much hope that all parties will make a commitment that everyone will stick to in the next Parliament.